tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59676508328717335522024-03-13T13:21:00.874+02:00Triquetra JewelleryMandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-20486017401760394512010-11-21T19:36:00.006+02:002010-11-21T21:02:52.689+02:00Field of Clovers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOlZmhzUJ5I/AAAAAAAAAbU/AINp4srCURg/s1600/field%2Bof%2Bclovers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOlZmhzUJ5I/AAAAAAAAAbU/AINp4srCURg/s320/field%2Bof%2Bclovers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542059334899607442" border="0" /></a><br />This is my final piece for the completion of my BTech degree. Based on 4 leaf clovers, like my <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2010/10/img00017-20101011-1007jpg.html">Clover ring</a>, I think this might be my best piece yet (<span style="font-size:78%;">she said modestly).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOlqcXnEw2I/AAAAAAAAAbc/c0doWSjxK7M/s1600/templates.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOlqcXnEw2I/AAAAAAAAAbc/c0doWSjxK7M/s320/templates.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542077852062892898" border="0" /></a><br /></span>These were the various size templates I used to bend up the framework for the clovers.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOlqd-jXAcI/AAAAAAAAAbk/shZ14Q3waKM/s1600/frames.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOlqd-jXAcI/AAAAAAAAAbk/shZ14Q3waKM/s320/frames.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542077879696163266" border="0" /></a></span>Each clover was made from 4 individual leaves. Initially, my plan was to just have the leaves soldered to each other but it became necessary to have the rings in the center. Otherwise the shape of the clover looked wrong.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-43705180902975533192010-11-20T16:20:00.006+02:002010-11-21T18:20:08.320+02:00Power of a Woman Part Deux<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfaFKTtJtI/AAAAAAAAAbE/WmI6M35Zgp8/s1600/POW5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfaFKTtJtI/AAAAAAAAAbE/WmI6M35Zgp8/s320/POW5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541637648703891154" border="0" /></a>Garnets are my birthstone and the colour red is often associated with passion and power. According to the website <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/colorexpert">Squidoo,</a> the colour red can increase enthusiasm, stimulate energy, encourage action and confidence, and offer a sense of protection from fears and anxiety.<br />This ties in so accurately with what I'm trying to achieve with my jewellery.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfZ674IYRI/AAAAAAAAAa8/_v5w7eLKWHI/s1600/POW6.jpg"><br /></a>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-46531255220335148852010-11-20T15:12:00.005+02:002010-11-20T19:51:14.301+02:00Power of a Woman<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">These images are of the completed filigree elements of my new piece, based on the <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2010/10/erickson-beamon-is-collaboration.html">Erickson Beamon</a> neck piece.</div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfKBB-m9CI/AAAAAAAAAac/QY0rTk5Y8-U/s1600/POW1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfKBB-m9CI/AAAAAAAAAac/QY0rTk5Y8-U/s320/POW1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541619985562399778" border="0" /></a>Individual domed filigree elements</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfKAIWh7DI/AAAAAAAAAaU/EgypJl1tFU4/s1600/POW2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfKAIWh7DI/AAAAAAAAAaU/EgypJl1tFU4/s320/POW2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541619970093476914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">Triquetra Flower</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It is made with sterling silver frame wire and fine silver filler wires. A wire, with a ball melted on the end, was threaded through the middle and soldered from the back as shown below.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfVkcsM2ZI/AAAAAAAAAak/qwmUztn2ZjI/s1600/POW4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfVkcsM2ZI/AAAAAAAAAak/qwmUztn2ZjI/s320/POW4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541632688656275858" border="0" /></a></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This was then cut off and cleaned up</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span>. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I used the following chains, with various round links, to echo the roundness of the string of the garnet beads I'm using. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfYMAG2aqI/AAAAAAAAAas/DMx8dYdhdN4/s1600/POW3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TOfYMAG2aqI/AAAAAAAAAas/DMx8dYdhdN4/s320/POW3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541635567201446562" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span><br /></span></span></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-15199516644528392682010-11-06T22:30:00.006+02:002010-11-20T15:37:21.546+02:00Layered Chains<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNW7PkGz0yI/AAAAAAAAAZw/hJSzUC1VvwI/s1600/coco_chanel.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNW7PkGz0yI/AAAAAAAAAZw/hJSzUC1VvwI/s320/coco_chanel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536537192986563362" border="0" /></a>Coco Chanel may have been the first person to introduce layered chains as a trend. She was a fashion icon that influenced the use of mixing both real and faux jewels.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNW8ILa9AgI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/lxGGD9a6FzI/s1600/madonna.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNW8ILa9AgI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/lxGGD9a6FzI/s320/madonna.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536538165612708354" border="0" /></a>In the 1980's, a young singer by the name Madonna once again created interest in this trend.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNW-nIDWPtI/AAAAAAAAAaA/97fMmU83cMU/s1600/17_overagedsexandthecity_lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNW-nIDWPtI/AAAAAAAAAaA/97fMmU83cMU/s320/17_overagedsexandthecity_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536540896307592914" border="0" /></a><br />And, once again, in the last few years, there has been a resurgence of this trend, shown in both the media and filtering down to fashion stores such as Truworths, Foschini, Edgars, Mr Price etc.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-27663068142673947462010-11-06T19:35:00.006+02:002010-11-20T15:36:29.254+02:00Ibo SilverOff the coast of Northern Mozambique lies Ibo Island, which our lecturers visited. On their return, they taught us the technique which became known to our jewellery department as "Ibo Silver." The technique consists of fusing thin pieces of silver to jump rings, to create new links that can be joined to form various pieces of jewellery.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNWfvxwAcFI/AAAAAAAAAZg/Cs1ABYJ6aW0/s1600/ibo+silver.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNWfvxwAcFI/AAAAAAAAAZg/Cs1ABYJ6aW0/s320/ibo+silver.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536506960079253586" border="0" /></a>The jump rings are usually arranged in 4's, to form a square but I decided to use 3. Worked out well for 2 reasons. Firstly, it echoed the 3-sided shape of the <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2009/03/triquetra.html">triquetra</a>, and secondly, created an interesting pattern when linked to form the chain of the <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2010/03/flavours-exhibition.html">Hip-Hop Diva Neckpiece</a>.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNWytRe4iOI/AAAAAAAAAZo/USoTaDCpEDg/s1600/neckpiece+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNWytRe4iOI/AAAAAAAAAZo/USoTaDCpEDg/s320/neckpiece+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536527807778687202" border="0" /></a>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-64805318848508338302010-11-06T19:25:00.006+02:002010-11-21T13:12:57.890+02:00Triquetra Earrings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNWP0V1LrkI/AAAAAAAAAZY/bQyxsKz8eq0/s1600/earrings.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNWP0V1LrkI/AAAAAAAAAZY/bQyxsKz8eq0/s320/earrings.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536489446298070594" border="0" /></a>Of all the filigree pieces I've made, these have to have been the simplest. Based on the <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2009/03/triquetra.html">Triquetra </a>symbol, for which my blog is named, they are bold, yet delicate and feminine.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-25381606239982707042010-11-06T17:50:00.005+02:002010-11-20T15:35:42.549+02:00Aspiring Apothecary?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNV5fw3k-1I/AAAAAAAAAY4/zmBko59FJIk/s1600/Chinese+pestle+and+mortar.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TNV5fw3k-1I/AAAAAAAAAY4/zmBko59FJIk/s320/Chinese+pestle+and+mortar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536464903522810706" border="0" /></a><br />On a trip to Singapore, I bought this stone pestle and mortar at Chinatown, purely for decorative purposes. Came in handy, though. My recent batch of flux was rougher than usual, so I now grind it down in this. I find that the finer the flux the better it mixes with the filed solder, which then flows better.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-37267315259999141452010-10-20T22:18:00.008+02:002010-11-06T18:33:32.979+02:00To Filigree Or Not To Filigree?<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In my quest to define what filigree means I came across many pieces termed filigree that were actually either pierced or cast.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL9PLVeEArI/AAAAAAAAAYo/s7MNjTcr9ZQ/s1600/BIB+style+gladitor+filigree+necklace2+thehouseofhemp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL9PLVeEArI/AAAAAAAAAYo/s7MNjTcr9ZQ/s320/BIB+style+gladitor+filigree+necklace2+thehouseofhemp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530225923594650290" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59475158/bib-style-gladitor-filigree-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=bib+style+gladitor+filigree&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title">Bib-style gladiator filigree necklace</a><br /><br /></span></span></div>This piece was created by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehouseofhemp?ga_search_query=thehouseofhemp&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">thehouseofhemp</a>, and looks to be made up of cast elements. Compare the difference between it and a piece by <a href="http://www.victorialansford.com/">Victoria Lansford</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL9REnQYeCI/AAAAAAAAAYw/AMFkR9RkF1s/s1600/CurvesintheRightPlacesII.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL9REnQYeCI/AAAAAAAAAYw/AMFkR9RkF1s/s320/CurvesintheRightPlacesII.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530228007133280290" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.victorialansford.com/frontpage.html"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);font-size:78%;" >Curves in the right places II</span></a><br /></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-56725800716151904752010-10-19T16:25:00.009+02:002010-11-21T16:28:43.668+02:00Erickson Beamon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2q4a2ohkI/AAAAAAAAAYA/5LpQ69Rpois/s1600/Sterling+silver+crystal-embellished+necklace.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2q4a2ohkI/AAAAAAAAAYA/5LpQ69Rpois/s320/Sterling+silver+crystal-embellished+necklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529763803738703426" border="0" /></a>Erickson Beamon is a collaboration between Karen Erickson and Vicki Beamon. They create designer fashion jewellery which is, as Beamon states:"not designed to look real- we create fantasies."<br />The neck piece pictured here has a similar feel to the piece I'm working on at the moment. It has a definite costume jewellery look to it, with the chunky chains and the crystal detail. I think my piece needs to feel slightly more delicate to emphasise the nature of filigree.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2qpvL1f7I/AAAAAAAAAX4/Blv7tsPHtlo/s1600/IMG00018-20101011-1031.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2qpvL1f7I/AAAAAAAAAX4/Blv7tsPHtlo/s320/IMG00018-20101011-1031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529763551498305458" border="0" /></a><br />Continuing with the "layered chains" trend, I'm using the flower element from my <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2010/03/flavours-exhibition.html">Hip-Hop Diva</a> Neckpiece. I also intend on incorporating a string of garnet beads to add colour.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-78595780299057840292010-10-19T15:52:00.006+02:002010-11-20T15:35:03.453+02:00More About The Clover Ring<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2lP24-xTI/AAAAAAAAAXg/a4fSSm_XNgw/s1600/clover+basket.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2lP24-xTI/AAAAAAAAAXg/a4fSSm_XNgw/s320/clover+basket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529757609331967282" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This was the modification I did to the <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2010/06/clover-basket.html">appliqued clover</a> design for the basket of the ring. It was pierced and domed and the final product is shown here. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2nmUgMANI/AAAAAAAAAXw/PN55uffZL-0/s1600/Basket+on+shank+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 210px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2nmUgMANI/AAAAAAAAAXw/PN55uffZL-0/s320/Basket+on+shank+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529760194261418194" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2nl7O5QgI/AAAAAAAAAXo/KvfFa0RZRbU/s1600/Basket+on+shank.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2nl7O5QgI/AAAAAAAAAXo/KvfFa0RZRbU/s320/Basket+on+shank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529760187478000130" border="0" /></a>I've been told this alone would make a pretty ring, with maybe a stone set in it.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TL2lP24-xTI/AAAAAAAAAXg/a4fSSm_XNgw/s1600/clover+basket.jpg"><br /></a>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-85187038733961947682010-10-13T12:34:00.004+02:002010-11-20T15:34:41.267+02:00Now Can I Have My luck?<p style="text-align: center;" class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TLWQVQ4Dc9I/AAAAAAAAAXI/qXrYM6-9lko/s1600/%3D%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAwMTctMjAxMDEwMTEtMTAwNy5qcGc%3D%3F%3D-780483"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TLWQVQ4Dc9I/AAAAAAAAAXI/qXrYM6-9lko/s320/%3D%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAwMTctMjAxMDEwMTEtMTAwNy5qcGc%3D%3F%3D-780483" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527482812648879058" border="0" /></a></p>It's been a long time in the making, but it's finally done! Woo-hoo! Learned a valuable lesson with this ring. Realised the setting needs to be added after all the filigree is completed. It was twice as difficult getting the solder to flow towards the center. Well, live and learn!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-37950788099054242582010-06-09T10:14:00.006+02:002010-11-06T18:18:14.706+02:00Vetkat Kruiper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TA9ZvcaQvoI/AAAAAAAAAWc/TLZcKEfXrGU/s1600/Thumbnail.asp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TA9ZvcaQvoI/AAAAAAAAAWc/TLZcKEfXrGU/s320/Thumbnail.asp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480697943148248706" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.vetkat.co.za/frames/ara.htm">Vetkat Kruiper</a> was a contemporary artist who continued the tradition of Bushman rock paintings. At an exhibition at Bergtheil Museum in Westville, Durban a while back, jewellers were asked to create a line of jewellery based on his artworks.<br />Using 1 of his paintings as a reference (image unavailable), I created the following element:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TA9gx8hZhEI/AAAAAAAAAWk/kdqDkGsVLYc/s1600/S1031384.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TA9gx8hZhEI/AAAAAAAAAWk/kdqDkGsVLYc/s320/S1031384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480705682709251138" border="0" /></a>The idea was to make a long necklace with these set at intervals.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/User123/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/User123/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/User123/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.png" alt="" /></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-73087371991947644572010-06-09T10:01:00.006+02:002010-11-20T15:34:11.630+02:00Clover Basket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TA9M4Dpk1QI/AAAAAAAAAWU/X6Ssr0QYfRI/s1600/clover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TA9M4Dpk1QI/AAAAAAAAAWU/X6Ssr0QYfRI/s320/clover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480683797469254914" border="0" /></a><br />I came to the realisation that, as it is, the piece will lie 2 flat on the hand, so I'm going to bend the petals downwards slightly. In doing so, the actual clover will need to sit higher on the shank, necessitating a basket. I want to pierce a modified version of the image above for the basket.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-65468394993618559632010-06-09T09:35:00.006+02:002010-11-20T15:33:41.215+02:00At last! The Nightmare is Over!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TA9GHHfEPII/AAAAAAAAAWM/5tuCQyUN6lo/s1600/S1031412.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/TA9GHHfEPII/AAAAAAAAAWM/5tuCQyUN6lo/s320/S1031412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480676359615560834" border="0" /></a>The filigree on this piece gave me endless problems. I have been using thinner wire for my recent projects and it's taking a while to get used to soldering it. As a result, I had a few melted mishaps and on 1 occasion, the entire piece was literally stuck to my soldering block and caused an entire section to yanked out! But now it's done and needs to be put on a shank.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-30684732148597938032010-04-19T20:50:00.012+02:002010-11-06T18:09:10.856+02:00A Much Needed Break!India! Stories go that you either love it or hate it! and I LOVED it! It's unlike any place I've ever been before. My only regret is that I couldn't have stayed longer! Needless to say, I'm already planning my next trip. It was a bit of a whirlwind vacation, visiting 5 cities in 11 days, and Dubai on the 12th day but it was fabulous! It was my first time visiting the land of my ancestors and I was struck by the contrasts I encountered, between wealth and poverty, beauty and neglect, the rural and the urban.<div style="text-align: justify;">Our first stop was in Delhi, where I had my first experience of Indian driving and traffic! OMG! It was astounding! Traffic lanes and traffic lights are nothing more than guidelines! I can say for certain that I never saw a single car without a ding! This video is merely a taste of it, and take note that there were only 4 lanes:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyKUAOl_qJfTVxT6D_PfZvru0OWwRaydZYyEZA7V7TA-yt9yXQuYDqe2vRvSPdXraAUh_S76VauOWGR4kBYBA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The main reason for my visit to Delhi was to see the <a href="http://www.akshardham.com/">Swaminaryan Akshardham Temple</a>. I had seen pictures of this amazing structure but the reality was truly beyond belief!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y3mX4ciWI/AAAAAAAAAT8/6EW74ywcDP0/s1600/%21cid_image006_jpg%4001C9A7FE.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y3mX4ciWI/AAAAAAAAAT8/6EW74ywcDP0/s320/%21cid_image006_jpg%4001C9A7FE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461942317967247714" border="0" /></a>Created without the use of steel, the complex took 11 000 artisans and volunteers 5 years to complete. You are taken on a journey through <span class="content">India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Exhibitions include an audio-animatronic and light show illustrating the life of Bhagwan Swaminaryan, a 40 minute film on an 85 x 65 foot screen, a 12min boat ride through 10 000 years of Indian history, as well as a</span><span class="content"> musical fountain. Photography, unfortunately, is not permitted but further images can be viewed on their <a href="http://www.akshardham.com/">website</a></span>. The intricacy and ornateness of the carving of every wall is simply mind blowing! Well worth a visit!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-Or-TgzI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ovukz9gQAHM/s1600/S1031341.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-Or-TgzI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ovukz9gQAHM/s320/S1031341.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461949607625065266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Mum and I at the Iskon Temple</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);"><br /></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-Pd0bmbI/AAAAAAAAAUU/3x9eCLmtHu0/s1600/S1031343.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-Pd0bmbI/AAAAAAAAAUU/3x9eCLmtHu0/s320/S1031343.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461949621005425074" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sarojini Nagar Market</span></span><br /></div><br />Next on our itinerary was Jaipur, the Pink City. I loved it here but our time was way too short so I didn't get much opportunity to experience the city. The architecture was stunning and the Old City was just so full of character.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y6vfStVgI/AAAAAAAAAUE/fFtTMnFiZbg/s1600/S1031351.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y6vfStVgI/AAAAAAAAAUE/fFtTMnFiZbg/s320/S1031351.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461945773110154754" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255); font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >Bais Godam Circle</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zAFM5ux7I/AAAAAAAAAU0/souCC3M0EKg/s1600/getMedia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zAFM5ux7I/AAAAAAAAAU0/souCC3M0EKg/s320/getMedia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461951643688814514" border="0" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" >View from the hotel roof</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;">On to Mumbai, which is very busy and very crowded! But the shopping was divine ! Unfortunately was a bit ill for a while, but still managed to buy gorgeous stationery and clothing! (Pictures to follow soon. Watch this space!)<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-QjeiaJI/AAAAAAAAAUk/r69Sb2fhP1I/s1600/S1031354.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-QjeiaJI/AAAAAAAAAUk/r69Sb2fhP1I/s320/S1031354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461949639704078482" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Arabian Sea</span></span><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-Pt-uJzI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Ht4PPVsmmZo/s1600/S1031352.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-Pt-uJzI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Ht4PPVsmmZo/s320/S1031352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461949625343551282" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mottah Market</span></span><br /></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-RejOC7I/AAAAAAAAAUs/Zr5VOMGVsNA/s1600/S1031356.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8y-RejOC7I/AAAAAAAAAUs/Zr5VOMGVsNA/s320/S1031356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461949655561407410" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the streets of Mumbai</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Then it was off to Bangalore!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFofXUWJI/AAAAAAAAAU8/-p9of49I7Mw/s1600/S1031359.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFofXUWJI/AAAAAAAAAU8/-p9of49I7Mw/s320/S1031359.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461957747498309778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFpn1guYI/AAAAAAAAAVM/Qlu1lqoLm2c/s1600/S1031360.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFpn1guYI/AAAAAAAAAVM/Qlu1lqoLm2c/s320/S1031360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461957766952302978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLAac9MSI/AAAAAAAAAVk/NOowOf_uh_M/s1600/S1031361.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLAac9MSI/AAAAAAAAAVk/NOowOf_uh_M/s320/S1031361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461963656054780194" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weaving of silk sarees on looms<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;">Watched the manufacturing of silk sarees and then got to purchase them at wholesale prices!<br /></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFpEMRgjI/AAAAAAAAAVE/S5DkNvH5fyI/s1600/S1031362.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFpEMRgjI/AAAAAAAAAVE/S5DkNvH5fyI/s320/S1031362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461957757384098354" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Getting my shoe fixed</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">With all the walking we had done, my shoe eventually had had enough! The sole had all but fallen off, so we stopped at a roadside cobbler who fixed it in a matter of minutes!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFp2lEydI/AAAAAAAAAVU/sbKQQCiwJSw/s1600/S1031369.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFp2lEydI/AAAAAAAAAVU/sbKQQCiwJSw/s320/S1031369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461957770909895122" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255); font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" >K. Rangaswamy and his autorickshaw (Tuc-tuc)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Kanthan Rangaswamy was our tuc-tuc driver and guide for the duration of our stay. If you're lucky enough, it's possible to find a good driver who's not looking to take advantage of you and really will take to to good, cheap stores, all at a very reasonable rate!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFqqKGTWI/AAAAAAAAAVc/REFRNaKexXE/s1600/S1031370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zFqqKGTWI/AAAAAAAAAVc/REFRNaKexXE/s320/S1031370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461957784755391842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLBtKV64I/AAAAAAAAAV0/w3-cLpNkAmE/s1600/S1031372.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLBtKV64I/AAAAAAAAAV0/w3-cLpNkAmE/s320/S1031372.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461963678256851842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLBL1NLeI/AAAAAAAAAVs/a2R1Dx09OgI/s1600/S1031371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLBL1NLeI/AAAAAAAAAVs/a2R1Dx09OgI/s320/S1031371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461963669309828578" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Outside Sai Baba's ashram in Putta Pathi<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;">Our final day in India was spent at Putta Pathi in Andra Pradesh, the site of Sai Baba's ashram (temple). Again photography was not allowed within the ashram. Devotees from all over the world flock here in the hopes of catching just a glimpse of Sai Baba. For a fellow Durbanite, that we spoke to, it was a dream, 20 years in the making, come true! Putta Pathi is also home to a technologically advanced hospital that administers treatment to anyone free of charge, which I think is truly fantastic!<br /></div><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLDBhXr5I/AAAAAAAAAWE/ycj7puXbA-8/s1600/S1031379.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLDBhXr5I/AAAAAAAAAWE/ycj7puXbA-8/s320/S1031379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461963700902014866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" >Underwater zoo at the Dubai Mall</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Literally, the final hours of our trip was spent in Dubai. We arrived there at 3pm, freshened up, and hit the ground running! Aside from the amazing architecture, the malls drew me like a fly to honey! The Dubai Mall is the newest and largest to date, boasting 1 500 stores, a mini gold "soukh" and an aquarium. Walking in, I felt like I was home: Louis Vuitton to the left of me, Manolo Blahnik to the right, Jimmy Choo to the front! A design-diva's dream come true!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even more awesome was the ski arena the Mall of Emirates, where you could ski, snowboard, or just play in the snow!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLBxW3JLI/AAAAAAAAAV8/SvYftCBqqvY/s1600/S1031380.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S8zLBxW3JLI/AAAAAAAAAV8/SvYftCBqqvY/s320/S1031380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461963679383102642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);font-size:78%;" >Ski area at the Mall of Emirates</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">All-in-all, it was a wonderful experience and has given me just a small taste of what India is like. I would encourage anyone to go at least once in their lifetime, but a bit of advice: Learn your Hindi and book any internal flights for the morning. We experienced 2 - 3 hour delays on every flight, which was the main reason for me being ill. Keep an open mind but, most of all, just drink it all in and enjoy !<br /></div> </div></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-72915559448992676002010-03-05T20:03:00.008+02:002010-11-20T15:33:20.335+02:00Flavours ExhibitionHave just now realised that I haven't posted any pictures of the jewellery I created for the <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2009/08/better-late-than-never.html">Flavours Exhibition</a>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FJshWl09I/AAAAAAAAATY/MwkszJgw9-o/s1600-h/bangle1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FJshWl09I/AAAAAAAAATY/MwkszJgw9-o/s320/bangle1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445214453683835858" border="0" /></a>Completed this <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-have-jewellery-almost.html">bangle</a> eventually. Was a bit of nightmare to manufacture, as the individual squares kept coming apart as I was bending it up. Worked it all out in the end! The little flowers on the sides are actually screws, the idea being that the perspex could be interchangeable, perhaps in different colours!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FJs4O1imI/AAAAAAAAATg/9xqyiv4Vh7A/s1600-h/hiphop+neckpiece.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FJs4O1imI/AAAAAAAAATg/9xqyiv4Vh7A/s320/hiphop+neckpiece.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445214459825326690" border="0" /></a>This is, by far, my favourite piece to date! I based it on the trend of wearing layered chains, but, of course, with a filigree twist!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FJtcdhwCI/AAAAAAAAATo/_pkHcJDtY_w/s1600-h/neckpiece+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FJtcdhwCI/AAAAAAAAATo/_pkHcJDtY_w/s320/neckpiece+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445214469550620706" border="0" /></a><br />The flowers on either side are identical. They're actually larger versions of my<a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-have-jewellery-almost.html"> earrings</a>. I call this my Hip-Hop Diva Neckpiece! Definitely Diva-licious!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-48041273422117106162010-03-05T19:15:00.008+02:002010-11-20T23:56:16.068+02:00A Happy Accident!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5E9bchfdBI/AAAAAAAAASw/AS422kcuynE/s1600-h/filigree1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 235px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5E9bchfdBI/AAAAAAAAASw/AS422kcuynE/s320/filigree1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445200966190068754" border="0" /></a>I began the filigree work, using the pattern shown above. At first, I partially soldered each section, as it was completed, but, then, put it down to lack of interest or,dare I say it, <span style="font-size:78%;">laziness</span>, I started getting overconfident. As a consequence, (not unexpected) a slip of my hand caused all of the wires to pop out! Of course, this caused me to throw my hands in the air in frustration and down tools for a period so I could lie in bed, with the covers over my head, in a state of depression!<br />Well, not really! But I did stop and rethink! I decided that I needed to add more large wires, creating smaller sections of filigree.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FB3Qh4WLI/AAAAAAAAATA/YoRPdqaAtco/s1600-h/option+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FB3Qh4WLI/AAAAAAAAATA/YoRPdqaAtco/s320/option+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445205842053322930" border="0" /></a>Played around a bit. Above was my first idea, which followed on from the filigree pattern I was creating. Eventually settled on the pattern below, as it was more interesting!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FEhhFnXmI/AAAAAAAAATI/x3shnOxGfHM/s1600-h/option2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5FEhhFnXmI/AAAAAAAAATI/x3shnOxGfHM/s320/option2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445208767075933794" border="0" /></a> As this pattern stands, this in itself would make an interesting piece. But on with the filigree!<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);font-size:85%;" >P.S Please forgive the first picture. It was taken with my cell phone, very badly!</span>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-60044391430384608882010-03-05T18:46:00.006+02:002010-11-20T23:55:19.844+02:00Finally! A Beginning!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5E2sP8LKpI/AAAAAAAAASQ/HQWRDa8Ewu0/s1600-h/Clover+Frame.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5E2sP8LKpI/AAAAAAAAASQ/HQWRDa8Ewu0/s320/Clover+Frame.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445193558288706194" border="0" /></a>Finally had the motivation to begin! This is the framework for the clover, which I have decided is going to be 1 of my fabulously over-sized rings! Excitement beginning to set in!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-22558995902135494652010-03-05T18:01:00.008+02:002010-11-20T15:32:52.806+02:00Change Is Constant<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5EubpNSg3I/AAAAAAAAASA/V19BGwkBCsM/s1600-h/obsidian+natural.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5EubpNSg3I/AAAAAAAAASA/V19BGwkBCsM/s320/obsidian+natural.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445184476920578930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5Eub-HMJ2I/AAAAAAAAASI/S2mPmxQThMk/s1600-h/obsidian+flourescent.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5Eub-HMJ2I/AAAAAAAAASI/S2mPmxQThMk/s320/obsidian+flourescent.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445184482532140898" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I knew I wanted a use a stone for this piece and this stone is perfect! It is a colour changing obsidian. On the left, the obsidian is a pinky-brown in natural light, whereas under fluorescent light, it is quite green, as seen on the right!<br />For me, this stone aptly symbolises the transience of life: ever changing, never stagnant, surprises at every turn! While my 4 leaf clover is meant to bring good luck, luck also moves in cycles and is unpredictable! Change,truly, is the only constant!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-66368858568944604122010-03-05T17:47:00.007+02:002010-11-20T15:32:23.702+02:00Fortuitous Valentine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5Eom2ptHSI/AAAAAAAAAR4/EX6M6s7THFw/s1600-h/Mirror+Hearts.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S5Eom2ptHSI/AAAAAAAAAR4/EX6M6s7THFw/s320/Mirror+Hearts.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445178072438218018" border="0" /></a>Quite unexpectedly, this year, I received a bouquet of red roses for Valentines Day. The arrangement came in a metre tall black vase and on the side of the vase was stuck these 3 mirror hearts. (Sadly, it was an empty gesture, so I didn't take a photo of the arrangement!) Didn't think much of the hearts at the time until...<br />When I began manufacture of my 4 leaf clover, I realised the hearts were the perfect template to bend the wire around, to create each leaf! Looked like I was off to a lucky start!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-91041186539268044232010-02-02T19:04:00.008+02:002010-11-20T15:31:59.630+02:00The Best Is Yet To Come?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S2hby-61bAI/AAAAAAAAARk/5f8Z2S8GIPQ/s1600-h/4-leaf-clover.jpg"><img style="width: 258px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433693881863859202" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S2hby-61bAI/AAAAAAAAARk/5f8Z2S8GIPQ/s320/4-leaf-clover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://wendyusuallywanders.wordpress.com/2009/07/"><span style="font-size:78%;">4 Leaf Clover</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">There's been quite a bit of turmoil in my life recently and I began thinking of signs or symbols representative of the way forward for me. I thought of the 4 leaf clover, which is commonly associated with luck (and Lord knows I need some!), and started thinking about how I could translate it into a piece of jewellery. Still working on design ideas!<br /><br />I further found out that each leaflet represents <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-leaf_clover">faith, love, hope and luck</a> respectively! Things that everyone could use in abundance! Can"t wait to see what develops!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S2hby68GVnI/AAAAAAAAARs/4wANsQFMksQ/s1600-h/clover.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433693880795420274" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/S2hby68GVnI/AAAAAAAAARs/4wANsQFMksQ/s320/clover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ubrand.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30&products_id=10&zenid=6e8df67e108b993643b6fc2512647652"><span style="font-size:78%;">Iron-on Badge</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I find this iron-on badge somewhat reminiscent of filigree and has put some definite ideas into my head! Stay tuned!<br /></div></div><img alt="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/User123/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-12795836656545414712009-08-05T22:25:00.005+02:002010-11-06T18:01:41.817+02:00Better late than never!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Technology will be the death of me! My computer's been under attack recently, so I haven't been as diligent with my blog. Now to play catch-up!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/SnnsZCxRLHI/AAAAAAAAARQ/YKn72uh3VZA/s1600-h/final-invite-green.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/SnnsZCxRLHI/AAAAAAAAARQ/YKn72uh3VZA/s320/final-invite-green.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366580345973058674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I recently showcased my work in an exhibition at artSpace Gallery in Durban, along with other emerging jewellers. As the name suggests, there were jewellery styles to suit every taste. It ran for three weeks and I think it was a great success.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/Snnye_q5uaI/AAAAAAAAARY/-oyB_KIVoOg/s1600-h/display.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/Snnye_q5uaI/AAAAAAAAARY/-oyB_KIVoOg/s320/display.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366587045290031522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I was very pleased with my display. My intention was to keep the focus on the jewellery, yet showing the pieces in context, i.e. how they could be worn. The image I tried to create was one of elegance, glamour and sophistication and I think I achieved it!<br /></div></div><br /></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-90757996803430837062009-06-01T17:26:00.004+02:002009-06-01T17:42:39.979+02:00My Filigree Space<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/SiP1Wi6dYkI/AAAAAAAAAO0/6j0yC_6iAak/s1600-h/S1030866.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/SiP1Wi6dYkI/AAAAAAAAAO0/6j0yC_6iAak/s320/S1030866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342383350669468226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/SiP1W4P1SUI/AAAAAAAAAO8/lEBxF8Mq8N8/s1600-h/S1030868.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 211px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/SiP1W4P1SUI/AAAAAAAAAO8/lEBxF8Mq8N8/s320/S1030868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342383356396259650" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >My Favourite Working Space!</span><br /><br /></div>People have said that I'm crazy to do filigree but the truth is that I love it! It's like an island of tranquility in a world of chaos. Once I get into the rhythm, there's not much concentration required. My mind is free to wander, I can listen to my favourite music or have a conversation. I can't think of anything better than sitting on my patio, enjoying the beautiful Durban weather, and creating beauty!<br /></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-34731406816455257862009-05-26T09:57:00.012+02:002010-11-21T13:11:55.316+02:00I Have Jewellery (Almost)!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/ShuhkR88Z6I/AAAAAAAAAOY/Pu-1os-3TqE/s1600-h/earrings.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/ShuhkR88Z6I/AAAAAAAAAOY/Pu-1os-3TqE/s320/earrings.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340039427844237218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I had actually forgotten to post about these earrings<a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2009/03/south-african-flowers.html"></a>. <a href="http://mandymunthree.blogspot.com/2009/03/south-african-flowers.html">They were started in March</a>, and have been finished for a while, but I hadn't gotten around to taking the photos.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/ShuhkvDYRvI/AAAAAAAAAOg/DgE5AUtrmyo/s1600-h/Bangle.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/ShuhkvDYRvI/AAAAAAAAAOg/DgE5AUtrmyo/s320/Bangle.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340039435655857906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This bangle is still a work in progress. I like the overall impression, but I had problems with solder joins while bending it up. I decided to cast the frameworks for the elements to overcome this. The perspex is a bit stark against the delicate elements, and needs to be filed and, maybe, made thinner.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/ShukeQ_d-TI/AAAAAAAAAOo/t0546qXWvzs/s1600-h/IMAGE_246.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/ShukeQ_d-TI/AAAAAAAAAOo/t0546qXWvzs/s320/IMAGE_246.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340042623042058546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Funny story! I was in my bathroom the other day, when I realised that this is part of a tile! I guess it manifested itself in my subconscious, and voila!, it's found its way into my jewellery.<br /></div></div></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5967650832871733552.post-1205943334831917922009-05-25T20:14:00.005+02:002010-11-06T18:29:38.056+02:00Splash Page<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/ShrozocTJ5I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/t3koazoLVNg/s1600-h/grey-square.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dBBT4JU37m8/ShrozocTJ5I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/t3koazoLVNg/s320/grey-square.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339836281928230802" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I guess a splash page is a visual artist statement, giving the viewer a glimpse into your work, your process and, perhaps, references. Sounds simple enough, right? I'm only 90% satisfied with my splash page. Any ideas on how it could improve?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16321231375874783060noreply@blogger.com1